Helping Kent charities apply for The King's Award for Voluntary Service

Charities and volunteer-led organisations across Kent and Medway are being invited to a special webinar offering expert guidance on applying for The King's Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), the highest national honour awarded to local volunteer groups in the UK.

Kent Community Foundation is joining forces with the Kent Lieutenancy Office, Ashford Volunteer Centre and Kent Volunteers to host the free online event, designed to help organisations understand the application process and strengthen their chances of success.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday 9 September at 10.30am and will be hosted by Catherine Glover, Chief Executive of Kent Community Foundation. Attendees will hear from Sir Martyn Lewis CBE, former television news presenter and Chair of The King's Award for Voluntary Service, and Paul Auston, Lead Deputy Lieutenant for The King's Award for Voluntary Service in Kent, who will offer practical advice on preparing a strong application.

The webinar will also feature Beth Peal from Kent Volunteers, who will share information about the support available to volunteer-involving organisations across Kent, and Pete Snowdon, Centre Principal of Medway Watersports Trust, who will talk about his organisation's experience of receiving The King's Award for Voluntary Service and the difference it has made.

Often described as the "MBE for volunteer groups", The King's Award for Voluntary Service recognises the vital contribution made by volunteer-led organisations that improve lives and strengthen communities.

The webinar comes as Kent and Medway celebrates the success of several local organisations recognised through the award programme.

Among them is Medway Watersports Trust, which has received funding from Kent Community Foundation since 2017 and was awarded The King's Award for Voluntary Service in 2025 in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the local community.

Pete Snowdon, Centre Principal of Medway Watersports Trust, said:

"As a group we were super excited to be nominated for the KAVS. Everyone at MWT was ecstatic at receiving the award.

The award has meant a significant boost to our profile, as well as interest from grant donors in how they can support us in the future. Above all, we are all super proud to display the KAVS logo outside our building, as it is true recognition of the fantastic work that the whole team does."

Catherine Glover, Chief Executive of Kent Community Foundation, said:

"Kent has an incredible network of charities and volunteer-led organisations making a huge difference to their communities. We are delighted to co-host this webinar to offer advice on navigating The King's Award application process and help local groups showcase their invaluable work."

Paul Auston, Lead Deputy Lieutenant for The King's Award for Voluntary Service in Kent, added:

"Volunteers are at the heart of many of Kent's strongest and most inspiring community projects. The King's Award for Voluntary Service is a wonderful way to formally recognise their dedication and achievements. I'm very pleased that Kent Community Foundation and Ashford Volunteer Centre are hosting this webinar with the Lieutenancy to help more local groups apply for this prestigious honour."

The free webinar is open to charities and volunteer-led organisations across Kent and Medway that would like to learn more about The King's Award for Voluntary Service and the application process.